Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy consists of three basic principles.

Learning requires one to actively engage with the material

In mathematics, this means working through exercises and taking time to explore one’s own ideas. While lectures and textbooks are useful, real understanding comes from grappling with the concepts and applying them in different contexts. I encourage my students to actively engage with the material and take ownership of their learning.

Being stuck is an important part of the learning process

When students struggle with challenging problems, they develop resilience and learn to approach problems from new angles. I try to avoid giving quick answers, especially during office hours, and instead guide students through their own thought processes. This helps them build the problem-solving skills necessary for more advanced mathematics, where independent thinking is crucial. Learning to work through difficulties also gives students the confidence to tackle unfamiliar or complex material.

Mistakes are valuable learning tools, and we should embrace them

I aim to create an environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, understanding that errors are a natural and productive part of learning. By encouraging students to reflect on their mistakes, I help them gain confidence and become more willing to take intellectual risks. Over time, this fosters a growth mindset where students view challenges and mistakes as opportunities to improve rather than as setbacks.